1. Applying for a PhD Advice for Biological Scientists, Physical Scientists and Engineers Teesside University Careers Service

2. What is a PhD? Doctor of Philosophy (Doctorate) Could be in any subject e.g. engineering (EngD) Traditionally 2/3 years and a year to write up (5-7 years p/t) In-depth study and research, completion completion of a thesis then viva (oral exam) 74% f/t* *Source-www.vitae.ac.uk

3. Difference between PhD and M or u/g level study Thesis must make an original significant contribution to existing knowledge -develop theories, connection of previously unrelated facts -Of publishable quality

4. Other PhD opportunities  Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering (CASE) Collaboration between university and industrial partner Jointly supervised by academic and company representative  New Route PhD - an integrated approach Taught at M level Front loaded advanced research skills Both 4 years f/t

5. Other PhD opportunities Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme (KTP) Tripartite arrangement between a student, an academic and an employer Work on a project and receive a salary

6. Completion Process MPhil (after M- level study, 1year f/t or 2 years without M- level) or MRes (2 years) Successful completion of report PhD

7. Typical PhD student No such thing! New graduate (usually a 1 st or 2.1) Masters graduate Most likely route Opportunity to develop important skills and research experience

8. Why do a PhD? Highly valued by employers PhD graduates:  Have a combination of maturity & autonomy;  Are enthusiastic, lateral thinkers;  Are more sophisticated in their thinking with a broader toolkit of skills;  Can think analytically and work through complicated processes  Have evidence of time management skills

9. What do PhDs do? ( all subjects, 2007 ) Population = 14,505 81% employed in UK, 6% overseas  49% education sector inc post-doctoral research, teaching & lecturing  18% scientific research and analysis  17% health & social work sector  10% enter business, managerial & IT careers  3% unemployed (6% graduates) Source: vitae.ac.uk

10. What do PhDs do? Biological - 13% of all UK PhD graduates, 79% employed in UK  50% education sector inc post-doctoral research, teaching & lecturing  4% health & social work sector  36% scientific research 8% working overseas 2% unemployed (3% for 1 st degrees) Source: vitae.ac.uk

11. What do PhDs do? Physical Sciences and Engineering - 33% of all UK PhD graduates 78% employed in UK  41% education sector inc post-doctoral research, teaching & lecturing  25% manufacturing & research in industry  21% business and information technology 8 % working overseas 4.5% unemployed (compared with 7.8% 1 st degree) Source: vitae.ac.uk

12. What do PhDs do? Scientific & Engineering Research - Most popular destination – 43% of employed UK PS&E PhDs –20% of above based in the education sector in academic research positions –Remainder work in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries 12% entered engineering professions

13. Academic research and/or teaching career in UK universities often require a PhD Prospects Jobs in academia Gain transferable skills and teaching/supervision of undergraduates – enhances employability

14. Do your research and think carefully It’s a major commitment High drop out rates It can be a lonely existence

15. Points to consider Focused on a highly specialised field Essential that you are interested Supervisor – student relationships very important (although often have more than one supervisor)

17. Choosing a project area Think about which area you are interested in Be committed to this topic and knowledgeable about current technology and related areas Read journals/scientific papers and other publications to develop knowledge and learn who the experts are May be dictated to you due to funding

18. Choosing a project area Select a relevant final year project/ dissertation/MSc project to demonstrate aptitude, interest and research skills Undergraduates contact project supervisors early to secure a relevant project Check available project areas early or before you accept a place

19. Join societies and professional institutes Attend conferences/ presentations – NETWORK Post graduate opportunities often advertised in society publications, only available to members

20. Applications No central application system Speak to/e-mail potential supervisors Register your interest and describe your research interests Ask about the possibility of funded research opportunities

21. Applying to advertised opportunities Application form/CV Provide evidence of skills –Research skills/experience –Written/spoken communication –Organisation/time management –Team work skills –Project work TAILOR IT

22. Application Process Apply early – 12 months before planned start date Demonstrate an awareness of potential supervisor’s specialist area –University website staff pages often feature research interests and publications –LinkedIn –Evaluate and understand papers/reports –Also be aware of other publications in the same research area

23. Attending interviews  Opportunity for you and supervisor to get to know one another. Could you work well together?  Read your application form again  Likely to be asked about your experience and motivation for the focus of research  Come to the careers service for advice on preparation or a mock interview  Check eligibility for grant/award

24. If offered a place… Ask for a formal letter of offer with details of- –Supervisors –Start date –Funding arrangements –Financial requirements from you –Academic preparation

25. Funding Universities apply to awarding bodies then advertise studentships when funding is secured www.jobs.ac.uk www.jobs.ac.uk Some offer “fees only” PhDs, others a stipend Remember to include living costs in your calculations Industrial sponsor, charitable foundation e.g. Wellcome Trust, part-time lecturing or family donations may be available

26. Self-funded PhDs Approx £1k per month including living costs and fees Fees for international students approx £16k per year, plus living costs

27. Part-time PhD Usually 12-15 hours per week Time available for other activities e.g. work = income

28. Further Information - opportunities www.newroutephd.ac.uk www.findaphd.com www.wellcome.ac.uk/node2126.html www.ktponline.org.uk www.newscientistjobs.com www.vitae.ac.uk www.tees.ac.uk

29. Further Information- Funding Medical Research Council Engineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council CASE Natural Environment Research Council Biotechnology and Biological Sciences R C Funderfinder Research Councils Sources of funding for international students British Council

30. Further Information Funding Prospects Postgraduate Directory Volume 2 Science & Engineering Prospects Postgraduate Funding Guide The Grants Register: the complete guide to postgraduate funding worldwide Hotcourses Postgraduate Funding Guide

31. Careers Service 1 st Floor Student Centre Tel: 01642 342260